Power transmission



lla,

' sept. 2, 1941. H NYE l 2,254,708

POWER TRANSMISSION Filed Feb. 23, 1938 INVENTORS I9/ HucH c. NYE HARRY n.. wlss.

' Patentedsept. y2, 1941 ru NITED n STATES PAT-E NT Ao1=1=icl3 azsazos 'I rowmt TRANSMISSION A v pugno. Nye mi 1am-y r..rwlse,"nemu,1mh... .azeaarmMra-M Application February 23, '1938, Serial No. 192,028

.iz claims.

This invention relates to power transmissions and more particularly to those of the uid` type wherein a power transmitting uid, such as oil,

and hereinafterreferred to as such, `is utilizedfor the transmission of -power between one or morepumps land-one ormore iluid motors.

The 'invention is particularly concerned with a power transmission system adapted for operating al plurality of hydraulic motors in predetermined sequence and may be used, for example, on a hydraulically operated broaching machine. Broaching machines of the .type which pull a broaching tool through a work piece are frequently provided with a hydraulically operated main ram and also with a hydraulically operated tool handling cylinder for holding and retracting the tool by its opposite end while it is disconnected from the main ram for insertion oi a fresh workpiece.

It ls an object of the present invention to provide a'hydraulic power transmission system particularly adapted for 'such use and in which the hydraulic motors are caused to move through a.

predetermined cycle automatically.

A further object is to provide a hydraulic system of the character described wherein the pump means which forms the hydraulic power supply will be unloaded when the machine is stopped and also in which all electric control circuits will be deenergized when the machine is stopped.

It is also an object to provide an improved hydraulic power transmission system including a relief valve which may be opened by venting a control chamber thereof and wherein the uld vented from the control chamber may be utilized for supplying a pilot circuit. l A further object is to provide a power transmission for operating a rbroaching machine wherein the force which can be applied to the breaching tool on thereturn stroke as it engages the tool handling apparatus is limited to prevent breakage.'

Further objects and advantages of the present invention will be apparent from the following description, reference being had to the accompanying drawing wherein a preferred form of thel present invention is clearly shown.

In the drawing, the single figure is a diagrammatic view of the hydraulic power transmission system incorporating a preferred form of the present invention.

A tank I is provided containing a supply of oil which may be withdrawnthrough a suction conduit I2 by a pair of mechanically connected (CLIM-'33) rod and head ends, respectively, of a tool handling lcylinder 82 in which a piston 34 is reclprocably mounted. The conduit 80 has interposed therein a combined back pressure and-'check valve 86 which is open to free flow of oil into the cylinder but prevents back now until the pressure in the head end of the cylinder 32exceeds a predeterminedv value which is greater than the pressure produced by the gravity load on piston 34.

The piston carries a bracket 38 having suitable cams 40 andv42 for actuating a snap switch M at the top and bottom ends of the stroke ci the piston 8l. A

The discharge oi the pump I4' is connected by anconduit 46 to a combined flow control andrelief valve I8 which may be similar to that shown in the patent to Harry F. Vickers, #2,102,865. The exhaust port 49 of relief valve $8 is connected by a conduit 50 to the tank. The controlled flow port 5I o! the valve 68 has an adjustable restrictor 68 and is connected by a conduit 52' to the pressure port of a servo-operated, closed center, tour-way valve 64. The tank port of the valve 64 is connected by a conduit '56 to tank. lThe cylinder ports oi the valve 56 are connected by conduits 58 and 60, to the rod and head sidea respectively, of a ilxed piston 62 on which is reciprocably mounted a cylinder 64. The cylinder 64 carries a pair of cams 66 and 68 for actuating a snap switch 10 at the top and bottom ends of the cylinder stroke. The conduit 58 is provided intermediate at its ends with two parallel branch portions-'I2 and I4 in the former of which a check valve I6 is incorporated, which is open to free ilow of oil into the cylinder 64. The branch, M contains a back pressure valve 'I I which blocks back ilow from the head end of cylinder 64 un- 1 til a predetermined pressure. greater than the gravity load, is produced in the head end .oi-

cylinder 64.

The conduit 6I! has interposed therein a low pressure releif valve I8 for relieving oil to the tank through a conduit whenever a predeterpumps I4 and I6, adapted to be driven by a 55 mined pressureisexceededinth conduit 60. The

valve 18 is normally set to open at a considerable lower pressure than the relief valve I48. The actuating chambers of the valve 54 are connected by conduits 82 and 84 to the cylinder ports of a solenoid operated, spring centered, open center, four-way valve 86. The pressure port of valve 86 is connected by a conduit 88 to the control chamber 89 of the valve 48 while the tank port of valve 86 is connected to tank by conduit 90. A restricted conduit 9| connects betweenconduits 52 and 88. v

For the purpose of controlling the solenoid operated valves 24 and 86, an electric circuit is since .the valve 24 is spring centered and in its center position connects the presure and tank lports. The pump I4 is by-passed through conprovided as follows: A snap acting stop-run switch 9| connects from one side of a suitable power line LI by a conductor 92 to a push button starting switch 94. The latter connects by a conductor 96 to the operating coil of relay 98, having three controlled circuits, the upper one of which is normally closed, the middle one is normally opened and the bottom one is double throw. The otherside of the` operating coil of relay 98 connects to the, other side of the line L2. The middle circuit of the relay 98 is connected as a holding circuit by a conductor which extends through one circuit of the switch 10 and by a conductor |02 to conductor 92 and line LI. The lower circuit of the relay 98 connects by a conductor |04 to the conductor |02 and by conductors |06 and |08 to the snap switches 10 and'44, respectively. The upper circuit' of the relay 98 connects between the con` ductor |00 and a conductor ||0 which extends to another circuit of the snap switch 44.,"Ihe snap switch 10, in the position illustrated, closes the connection between the conductors |00 and |02. When moved to the `opposite position it -connects conductor |06 with a conductor I|2 leading to the right hand solenoid of the valve 86, the other side of which is connected to line L2. 'The snap switch 44 in the position shown. is adapted to connect conductor |08 with a conductor I I4, leading to the left hand solenoid of the valve 24, the other side of which is conneoted to line L2. When moved to the opposite direction, switch 44 connects conductor |08 with a conductor I6 which leads to the left hand solenoid of valve 86, and thence to the line L2. In this position. the switch 44 also connects conductor ||0 with'a conductor ||8, leading to the right hand solenoid of valve 24 and thence to line L2.

For the purpose of inching the cylinder 64 or the piston 34 momentary contact switches |20, |22, |24 and |26 may be provided. The switch |20, when depresse", is adapted to connect line LI to the left hand solenoid of valve 24 through a conductor |28, leading to the conductor 'I|4. Switch |22, when depressed, connects line LI to the right hand solenoid of valve 24 by a conductor |30, leading to the conductor ||8. Switch |24, when depressed, is adapted to connect line LI to the left hand solenoid of valve 86 by a conductor |32, connected to the conductor Switch |26 is adapted, when depressed, to connect line LI to the right hand solenoid of valve 86 dby a conductor |34.

As an example of the manner in which the hydraulic system may be applied the piston 34 is shown as having a socket for reception or a broachng tool |36. The tool |36 may be lifted by the piston 34 to insert the upper end of the tool through a hole in a suitable work piece |38l and to engage the tool in a suitable clutch |40 duit 46, relief valve 48 and conduit 50 to the tank. Since open center valve 86 is in its spring centered position, the vent conduit 88 is connected to tank through conduit 90 and relief valve 48 is accordingly maintained openwithout substantial resistance.

When the starting switch 94 is closed the relay 98 is energized and remains energized through the holding circuit |00, switch l0, 'a'ndconductor' |02. Closing of the relay 98 establishesa circuit from line LI through switch 9|, conductor |02, conductor |04, relay 98, conductor |08, switch 44 and conductor ||4 to the left hand solenoid of valve 24. The latter moves to the left connecting pressure oil to the conduit 30, so that oil delivered by the pump|6 ilows through conduitV I 8, valve 24, conduit 30 and valve 36, which is open to free flow in this direction, to the Vhead end of the cylinder 32. The piston 34, accordingly, moves upwardly carrying with it the tool |36 which enters the workpiece |38 and engages the tool clutch |40 on the cylinder 64. Oil returns from the rod end of cylinder 32 through conduit 28, valve .24 and conduit 26 to tank. As the pis- Y ton 34 reaches the top of its stroke, snap switch A 44 is shifted which breaks the circuit to the left hand solenoid of valve 24 and establishes a circuit from the conductor |08 to the conductor I|6 and the left hand solenoid of valve 86. 'I'he latter shifts to the left connecting the pressure port with conduit 82. The oil from the vent port of valve 48 is accordingly led to the left hand actuating chamber of valve 54, shifting the same to the l'eft, as shown. As soon as this movement is completed, pressure builds up in the control chamber ofY relief valve 48, causing the same to close and pressure oil ows from pump I4 through conduit 46, valve 48, conduit 52, valve 54, conduit 58, branch conduit 12, check valve 16 and conduit 58 to rod end of the cylinder 64. The latter starts upwardly. pulling the tool |36 through the work piece to perform the breaching stroke. Oil returning from the head end flows through conduit 60, valve 54 and conduit 56 to tank.

As the cylinder 64 reaches the top of its stroke, switch 'I0 is shifted to break the holding circuit for relay 98, permitting the same to open, thus connecting conductor |06 to line LI through conductors |04, |02 and 92. Switch 'I0-also establishes a circuit connecting conductor |06 with conductor I I2 which leads to the right hand solenoid of valve 86. The latter shifts to the right connecting the pressure port with conduit 84, so that the vent oil from valve 48 is permitted to pass through conduit 86, valve 86, conduit 84 to the right hand chamber of the valve 54, shifting the same to the right and connecting the pressure port with conduit 60. Pressure oil from the pump I4 accordingly flows from the conduit 52 through the Vconduit 60 and relie'f valve 18 to the head end' of cylinder 64 moving the same downwardly at a reduced pressure determined by the setting oi the valve 18. Oil returningfrom the rod end first builds up suiiicient pressure to open valve 11 and then iiows through conduit 58, A valve 54 and conduit 56 to tank.

` As the cylinder 64 reaches the lowerllimit of its stroke, switch|0 again shifts to the position shown in the drawing, breaking the circuit to the right hand solenoid of valve 06fand establishing a circuit between conductors and |02. This energizes the right hand solenoid of valve 24 through a circuit extending from line LI through switch 9|, conductor 92, conductor |02, switch 10, conductor |00, upper circuit of relay 98, conductor 0, left hand circuit of switch 44 and conductor H8. The valve 24 shifts to the right, connecting the pressure port with the conduit 28. Oil from the pump 6 accordingly flows through the conduit |8, valve 24 and conduit 28 to the rod end of cylinder 32, causing the piston 34 to move downwardly' carrying ,the tool |36 to provide clearance for insertion of a fresh work piece. Oil returning from the head end, first builds up suiiicient pressure to open valve 36 and. then flows through conduit. 30, valve 24 and conduit 26 to'tank. As the piston 34 reaches the bottom of its stroke, switch 44 shifts, breaking the circuit to the right hand solenoidof valve 24 and permitting the latter to spring center and by-pass the discharge of pump I6 to the tank.

The operating cycle is thus completed with the electric circuits all open and with both pumps by-passed. Another cycle may again be started by depressing the starting switch 94. If at any time during the cycle an emergency should arise, necessitating the immediatestopping of the device, the emergency switch 9| may be opened thus deenergizing all circuits and permitting both valves 24 and 48 to spring center and by-pass the pumps I4 and I8. If during the set-up of the machine or try-out thereof it is necessary to inchf the cylinder. 64 up, the switch |24 may be depressed thus energizing the left hand solenoid of valve 88 as long as the switch is closed. To move the cylinder 64 downwardly the switch |26 is closed similarly energizing the right hand solenoid of valve 06. Piston 34 may be inched upwardly or downwardly in a similar manner by the push button |20 or |22, respectively.

It will be noted that the particular connection between the vent controlled relief valve d8, pilot valve 86 and servo-operated valve 5t is such that the supply of fluid for servo operation is taken from the control chamber 89 of the valve d8. Since this chamber is separated from the chamber beneath it, which is in the main supply conduit 48, by the freeiioating piston of the relief valve itself, the pressure in control chamber 89 cannot fall below main line pressure without causing the valve to open. This feature'presents a distinct advantage in that it causes a smooth reversal to take place at the end of the strokeA of the main ram. Thus, whenever pilot valve 88 iSshifted, a free path is opened from control chamber 89 through conduit 88', pilot valve 86 and conduit 82 or 84, as the case may be. The easiest path of escape throughthis conduit is for the iiuid to push the spool of valve 54 ahead of it which, ofcourse, imposes comparatively little resistance. Thus the pressure in control chamber 89 is reduced, and relief valve 48 is permitted to open which accordingly reduces the main line pressure. As soon as the shifting of valve 64 is' completed, pressure in control chamber 89 again builds up to equal the pressure in the mainline 46. Thus,^during the actual period while revertarily bypassed through relief .valve 48 at a reduced pressure, and this materially contributes' to a smooth reversal of the main ram 64. This is particularly true because it permits the usual .throttles at the end chambers of valve 54 which determine the speed of shifting thereof to be adjusted for a slower sluiting than would otherwise be feasible. v

While the vform of embodiment of theinvention asV herein disclosed, constitutes a preferred'form,

. it is-to be understood that other forms might be sal is taking place, the pump delivery is momenadopted, all coming within the scope of the claims which follow.-

What, is claimed is as follows: 1. In a hydraulic power transmission System the combination of a rst uid motor. a second fluid motor, pump meansfor supplying pressure uid to operate said motors, electrically operable control means for selectively by-passing the pump means or causing operation of the rst motor in either direction, electrically operablev control means for selectively by-passing the pump means or causing operation of the second motor in either direction, an electric circuit operably connected to said control means, a manually operable switch for energizing the control means to start operation of the first motor, switch -means Voperated by the :duid motors for energizing the control means to cause said motors to operate in a prey determined sequence and motor operated switch means effective at the end of said sequence to deenergize Aboth said control means and cause the pump means to be by-pa'ssed.

2. In a hydraulic power transmission system the combination of a rst iiuid motor, a second fluid motor, pumpmeans for supplying pressure iiuid to operate said motors,electrically operable means for controlling the delivery of fluid to said motors individually, a rst snap switch operated by the rst motor at opposite ends of its stroke, a second snap switch operated by the second motor at opposite endsof its stroke, a manually controlled switch, an electric circuit connecting the control means and the switches and arranged when the manual switch is operated to cause a cycle of operations including a forward stroke of the Erst motor, a-forward and a reverse stroke of the second motor, and a reverse stroke of the first motor in sequence, said control means being deenergized at the end of said cycle.

3. In a hydraulic broaching machine of the type having a main slide and a tool handling slide, the combination of a irst fluid motor operably connected to the tool handling slide, a second fluid motor operably connected to the main slide, pump means for supplying fluid to ,operate said motors, electrically operated means for controlling operation of said motors individually, an electric circuit operably connected to said control means, switch means in said circuit operable upon predetermined movement of said slides to variably energize said control means for causing a cycle of tool handling and bro'aching operations and including means for deenergizing the control means at the end oi a cycle.

4. In `a hydraulic breaching machine of the type having a main slide and a tool handling slide, the combination of a rst fluid motor operably connected to the tool handling slide, a second fluid motor operably connected to the main slide, pump means for supplying fluid to operate said motors, electrically operated means for con-l ably connected to the tool handling slide, a second fluid motor operably connected to the main slide, pump means for supplying fluid to operate saidl motors, electrically operated means for controlling operation of said motors individually, an

electric circuit operably connected to said control means, and means operated by one of said slides for opening said circuit and leenergizing the control means to stop operation of said motors.

6. In a hydraulic power transmission system the combination with a source of huid under pressure, a fluid motor operable on iluid supplied from said source, a valve for relieving uid from raid source to a point of lower pressure. said valve having `a control chamber in restricted communication with said source, a servo operated valve for controlling the flow of operating fluid ,to the motor and a pilot valve and connections between the servo valve and the control chamber for connecting the control chamber selectively to a point of lower pressure for opening the relief valve or to the servo valve for operating the same.

'7. In a hydraulic power transmission system the combination with asource of iluid under pressure, a fluid motor operable oniluid supplied from said source, a valve for relieving uid from said source to a point of lower pressure, said valve having a control chamber in restricted communication with said source, a servo operated valve for controlling the ilow of operating uid to the motor and an open center, four-way pilot valve and connections between the servo valve and the control chamber for connecting the control chamber selectively to a point of lower pressure for opening the relief valveor to the servo valve for operating the same.

8. In a hydraulic broaching machine offthe'f type having a main slide and-a tool handling slide, the combination of a first iluid motor operably connected to the tool handling slide, a sec- .ond iluld motor operably connected to the main slide, pump means for supplying uid to operate said motors,..valve means for controlling the supply of duid to said motors, vrelief valve means for limiting the maximum pressure applicable to said motors under all conditions and a second V relief valve communicating with one end of one of the motors only for limiting the pressure .applicable to that motor on the return stroke as the tool is compressivelystressed between the two slides.

9. In a hydraulic breaching machine of the type having a main slide and a tool handling slide, the combination of a first iiuid motor operably connected to the tool handling slide, a second fluidy motor operably connected to the main slide, pump means for supplying :duid to operate said motors, valve means for controlling the supply of iluid to said motors, relief valve means for limiting the maximum pressure applicable to said motors under all conditions and a second relief valve communicating with the return end of the main motor only for limiting the pressure applicable to that motor on the return stroke as the tool is'compressively stressed between the two slides.

l0. In a hydraulic power transmission system the combination with' a source of fluid under pressure, a fluid motor operable on iluid supplied from said source, a valve for relieving fluid from said source to a point of lower pressure, said valve having a control chamber in restricted communication with said source, means for controlling the ilow of operating fluid to the motor, a servo motor for operating said means, and a pilot valve and connections between the servo motor and the control chamber for connecting the control chamber selectively to a point of lower pressure for opening the relief valve or to the servo motor for operating the same.

11. In a hydraulic powertransmission system the combination with a source of huid under pressure, a iluid motor operable on'iluid supplied from said source, a valve for relieving fluid from said source to a point of lower pressure, said valve having a control chamber 'in restricted communication with said source. means for con- Y trolling the ilow of operating fluid to the motor,

a servo motor for operating said means, and an open-center, fourway pilot valve' and connections between the servo motor and the control chamber for connecting the control chamber selectively to a point of lower pressure for opening the relief valve or to the servo motor for operating the same.

l2. In a hydraulic power transmission system the combination with a source of fluid under pressure, a duid motor operable on iluid supplied from said source, a valve for relieving iluid from said source to a point of lower pressure, said valve having a control chamber in restricted communication with said source, said control chamber when vented providing a path i'or duid to escape for opening said valve. a servo-operated reversing device for causing fluid now to the motor in one direction or the other, a pilot valve for controlling the sluiting of the servo-operated member, and means supplying fluid to the pilot valve from said control chamber whereby the reduced -resistance which the servo-operated member imposes during shifting causes the first valve to open and reduce the pressure at the source.

- HUGH C. NYE.

HARRY L. WISE. 

